Blueberry Bush Pests

Blueberry bushes are susceptible to certain insect infestations.

A blueberry bush is an attractive addition to your garden that will supply you with tasty and nutritious berries. Proper care of your blueberry bush will ensure that it produces ripe fruit, but protection from pests is equally as important if you want a large crop of berries. Monitor your bushes regularly so you can take immediate action to get rid of pests before they destroy your blueberries.

Scales

Scales are unusual looking pests that don't typically look like insects. They are usually circular in shape and lack wings and a head. Scales can cause damage to your blueberry bush because they suck nutrients and moisture from your plant. When this occurs, the leaves on your blueberry bush will turn yellow, wither and drop from the plant. You might also notice discolored or distorted leaves. Scales excrete honeydew, a substance that coats the leaves of your blueberry bush and can cause a black mold to grow. Control scales by introducing natural predators, such as beetles, to your garden. Spray horticultural oil on the top and bottom of the leaves to destroy scales.

Thrips

Thrips are another type of insect that can damage your blueberry bush by sucking moisture and nutrients from the leaves. Damage from thrips is usually noticeable before you ever see the insects on your bush. Thrips cause discoloration and distortion of the leaves on your blueberry bush and also leave behind feces, which speckles the leaves with tiny black dots. Bright yellow sticky traps can help control adult thrips. Shake your blueberry bush to help dislodge thrips from the leaves. Parasitic wasps and green lacewings are natural predators of thrips and can help control an infestation. Apply a layer of reflective mulch to deter thrips from infesting your blueberry bush and remove damaged limbs to prevent an infestation from spreading.

Blueberry Maggots

Blueberry maggots are among the most prevalent pests in the Northwest. Female blueberry maggots lay their eggs inside the fruit. They pierce the blueberries and lay one egg inside each berry. Once the egg hatches, about five days later, the larva burrows into the blueberry and eats the flesh inside. Severe infestations can ruin an entire crop of blueberries. Yellow sticky traps can help destroy adult blueberry maggots, which can be useful in preventing females from laying their eggs. Replace these traps every three weeks throughout the growing season. Harvest your blueberries when they are ripe, which will reduce the chances that a female blueberry maggot will be able to lay her eggs inside.

Additional Pests

Aphids cause the leaves of your blueberry bush to turn yellow and to become distorted. These tiny pests can also decrease your blueberry yield. Ladybugs can help control aphids because they are natural predators of these pests. Spray your blueberry bush with a steady stream of water to knock the aphids from the leaves. Blueberry gall midges are tiny flies that can cause stunted or distorted growth. Insecticides can help destroy these pests. Leafrollers decrease blueberry yield and can be controlled with pheromone traps and natural predators. Blueberry nets will help protect your fruit from birds, which will eat your berries quite quickly.

About the Author

Sara Ipatenco has taught writing, health and nutrition. She started writing in 2007 and has been published in Teaching Tolerance magazine. Ipatenco holds a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in education, both from the University of Denver.